Free Throw Contest

Kids Sports Stories

by Shawn Pryor

Donovan wants to be in his school's free throw contest, but there's a problem. He struggles to sink his shots! With the help of his mother, he learns how to make free throws and enters the competition. But kids make fun of him because he shoots the ball differently from everyone else. Will Donovan discover that it's okay to be different?

Genres: Sports, Picture Books

32 pages, Hardcover

Published July 31, 2021

Reviews

[Margaret Boling]

1/29/2022 ~ This early reader series from Capstone is great for our youngest readers who are just beginning to read semi-independently. Most pages have about 8 lines of text with vivid, diverse & inclusive illustrations. The characters in the stories have a brief set back in which they must revise their expectations and work with other characters in realistic sports settings. I'll be adding a half dozen from the series to my elementary library collection.

In this book, the character struggles with making free throws, but he really wants to win a contest and win tickets to see a pro game. His mom shows him an underhand style for free throws, which leaves him open to ridicule by an opponent and bully. He realizes that he needs to follow his own style if he wants a chance at winning.

[Becky B]

Donovan enters his school's free throw contest because he wants the prize tickets to a pro game. But he doesn't know how to shoot a free throw, and some good basketball players will be in the contest. His mom helps teach him how to shoot a free throw. But will Donovan be good enough for the contest?

I kind of wish Donovan's mom had taught him how to shoot the ball correctly. He isn't too young to learn. But him being comfortable with his own unique style is part of the point of the story.

[Natalie]

Donovan signs up for the free throw contest, but Nevin keeps taunting him that Donovan will never win. Nevin is one of the best basketball players in the school. Will Donovan even have a chance?

The storyline is simple as Nevin is sort of a bully. Donovan has to practice a lot and doubts himself in the process. Our young basketball fans will appreciate this book.